Compazine is used for controlling severe nausea and vomiting and treating schizophrenia. It is also used for the short-term (4 weeks) treatment of generalized nonpsychotic anxiety. Compazine is a phenothiazine. It works by blocking a certain chemical (dopamine) in the brain.

INSTRUCTIONS

Use Compazine as directed by your doctor.

Take Compazine by mouth with or without food.

If you miss a dose of Compazine, take it as soon as possible. If it almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Compazine.

STORAGE

Store Compazine at room temperature, between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Compazine out of the reach of children and away from pets.

MORE INFO:

Active Ingredient: Prochlorperazine.

Do NOT use Compazine if:

you are allergic to any ingredient in Compazine or similar medicines

you are taking large amounts of central nervous system depressants (eg, alcohol, barbiturates, narcotics)

you are taking astemizole, cisapride, or terfenadine

you have severe central nervous system depression.

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Some medical conditions may interact with Compazine. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding

if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement

Bromocriptine, guanethidine, levodopa, or pergolide because their effectiveness may be decreased by Compazine

Lithium because unexpected toxic effects may occur.

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Compazine may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

Important safety information:

Compazine may cause drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision, or lightheadedness. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Compazine with caution. Do not drive or perform other possible unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.

Compazine may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting; alcohol, hot weather, exercise, or fever may increase these effects. To prevent them, sit up or stand slowly, especially in the morning. Sit or lie down at the first sign of any of these effects.

Do not drink alcohol or use medicines that may cause drowsiness (eg, sleep aids, muscle relaxers) while you are using Compazine; it may add to their effects. Ask your pharmacist if you have questions about which medicines may cause drowsiness.

Tell your doctor or dentist that you take Compazine before you receive any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery.

Compazine may cause you to become sunburned more easily. Avoid the sun, sunlamps, or tanning booths until you know how you react to Compazine. Use a sunscreen or wear protective clothing if you must be outside for more than a short time.

Avoid exposure to extreme heat while taking Compazine.

Patients who will be having spinal cord surgery should stop using Compazine at least 48 hours before surgery. Do not use Compazine for at least 24 hours after surgery and do not use it to control nausea and vomiting that has occurred before or after surgery.

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) is a possibly fatal syndrome that can be caused by Compazine. Symptoms may include fever; stiff muscles; confusion; abnormal thinking; fast or irregular heartbeat; and sweating. Contact your doctor at once if you have any of these symptoms.

Use Compazine with caution in the elderly; they may be more sensitive to its effects.

Compazine should not be used in children who are having surgery, who are younger 2 years, or who weigh less than 20 pounds; safety and effectiveness in these children have not been confirmed.

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Compazine while you are pregnant. Compazine is found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you use Compazine, check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects.

Check with your doctor if any of these most common side effects persist or become bothersome: